Bronchiectasis: an update.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Bronchiectasis is defined as an abnormal and irreversible dilatation of the bronchi, often associated with chronic productive cough, airway obstruction, and recurrent infections.

METHODS: MEDLINE data from 1978 to November 2008 was analysed. Search was limited to randomized control trials, clinical trials, meta-analysis, reviews published in English, using the keyword bronchiectasis.

RESULTS: The prevalence of bronchiectasis is unknown. However, prevalence seems to increase with age from 4.2 per 100 000 persons aged 18-34 years to 271.8 per 100 000 among those aged 75 years or older. Therapy is aimed to limit the cycle of infection and inflammation and to reduce the number of exacerbations, in order to improve quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS: Bronchiectasis still remain a significant health problem. Further research is required to improve the management of this herterogeneous condition.